Longtime Greene County judge retires

XENIA — For more than 35 years, Judge Robert Hutcheson has been a familiar face in Greene County Juvenile Court. Effective May 31, Hutcheson hangs up his judicial robe in retirement, moving on from the role he held for many years. A large crowd of Hutcheson’s colleagues, family members and friends squeezed into his courtroom Friday to wish him well and see him off in retirement.

What did he enjoy most about his time in Greene County Juvenile Court? It’s difficult for him to list just one thing, but first on his mind is the group of individuals he worked with in court.

“I’ve enjoyed working with the outstanding staff here,” he said. “That makes my job much easier, and it enables the court to carry out its mission to the community.”

Hutcheson also mentioned the lawyers and public service agencies, as well as the other members of the judiciary in Greene County, as those he enjoyed working with during his years on the bench.

“It’s been several things that I’ve enjoyed about this position,” he said in summary. “It’s really been an honor to have been elected judge. I’ll always be grateful to the citizens of this community for voting for me.”

Hutcheson was hired as a magistrate by the Greene County Juvenile Court in 1978. When legislation was passed to split the responsibilities of Probate Court and Juvenile Court, Hutcheson was elected in 1994 as the first judge to serve in the newly established Juvenile Division of the Greene County Court of Common Pleas. He was re-elected by Greene County voters in 2000, 2006 and 2012.

So what will Hutcheson be moving on to in retirement? Traveling and volunteer work are likely – oh, and his wife is going to teach him how to play piano too.

“This is a part of my effort to stay mentally focused,” he said.

“It’s been a great experience working here in the community and being part of the group of agencies and courts that serve the county,” he said. “It’s been a privilege.”